Cardinals' Joshua Dobbs embracing opportunity amid Kyler Murray absence

Journeyman quarterback Joshua Dobbs is embracing his role as the bridge option for an Arizona Cardinals team that notched an upset 28-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. 

"I am proud of my performance," Dobbs said about his play versus Dallas during a chat with NBC Sports' Peter King. "I’m actually more proud of the team and how we all played, not just me. We started fast, played complementary football, started the second half rough with a three-and-out and six-and-out, then came back with a four-play touchdown drive when we really needed it to clinch the game. It’s Jonathan Gannon’s first win as a head coach, and Drew Petzing’s first win as an offensive coordinator, so a lot of firsts for a lot of people—they get to enjoy it the same as I do."

The Cleveland Browns traded Dobbs to the Cardinals on Aug. 24, and Gannon ultimately named the 28-year-old as Arizona's Week 1 starter over unproven fifth-round draft pick Clayton Tune as Kyler Murray continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered on Dec. 12 of last year. The Cardinals later surrendered 10 unanswered fourth-quarter points in the season-opening 20-16 loss at the Washington Commanders and then made history via a historic Week 2 collapse against the New York Giants.

Against the Cowboys, Dobbs completed 17-of-21 pass attempts for 189 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. According to ESPN stats, he began Monday ranked 11th in the NFL among qualified players with a 61.6 adjusted QBR and 10th with a 98.1 passer rating on the season while featuring for an Arizona side that realistically could be 3-0. 

"This league, man, it’s so crazy," Dobbs continued. "It’s a league of opportunity. Across the league, you see guys who’ve been waiting months, years to play. The only way you can have a real chance to play and keep playing is to focus on the moment, live in the moment. This is a great reward for that." 

It's widely believed Gannon and company will start Murray when the 26-year-old is cleared to face a live defense, if only so the club can further evaluate if the first overall pick of the 2019 draft is the franchise's long-term starter at the sport's most important position. For now, Dobbs will look to again shock the NFL community when the 1-2 Cardinals play at the 3-0 San Francisco 49ers this coming Sunday. 

As of Monday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Cardinals as massive underdogs (+625, +14) heading into that contest.